TACLOBAN CITY– Health care is now more accessible to the far-reaching communities in San Miguel, a fourth-class municipality in Leyte, as its local government formally launched the San Miguel Municipal Hospital on Monday, September 16.

Atty. Norman D. Sabdao, the municipal mayor of San Miguel, said that the opening of the hospital in Barangay Bairan will serve patients from the town’s 21 barangays.

“This is the result of our shared vision to have a facility that ensures San Miguel residents receive proper care for their medical concerns,” Mayor Sabdao said.

The new hospital has two doctors, six nurses, six midwives, and 10 other health personnel. Pending the procurement of additional equipment, the hospital will utilize the existing facilities of the municipal health unit.

According to Mayor Sabdao, the construction of the hospital began in March 2022 with an initial funding of P5 million from the Development Fund of the LGU. An additional P7 million was allocated in March 2023, and another P8 million in March 2024.

Sabdao noted that with the opening of the new hospital, patients and their families can save money and travel time when they need urgent medical attention, as the public hospital is now within their reach.

San Miguel is an inland municipality located about 40 kilometers from Tacloban City and is home to approximately 20,000 residents.

The mayor added that the hospital will receive an initial medical assistance worth P10 million from Leyte’s first district Representative and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

Meanwhile, Gavino Valleramos, Bairan village chairman, extended his deepest thanks to the LGU of San Miguel and said that with this hospital, they no longer need to transport patients outside the town.

Instead, the funds previously used for transportation can now be spent on essential medicines, the barangay official added.

Barangay Santol Punong Barangay Roselda A. Elbore expressed her happiness, stating that the community has been eagerly awaiting the hospital’s opening. She considers it a blessing, especially for the poorer residents of San Miguel.

The San Miguel Municipal Hospital is classified by the Department of Health (DOH) as an infirmary. It has a total bed capacity of 15 and offers outpatient services such as medical consultation, pediatric consultation, obstetrics and gynecology consultation, surgical consultation, pharmacy services, and laboratory services.

Other services provided include minor surgical procedures, dental health services, TB DOTS services, family planning services, maternal and child health care, environmental sanitation, health regulatory activities, medico-legal services, and other DOH special programs.

Dr. Patrick Nanz O. Buatis, Municipal Health Officer of San Miguel, stated that the opening of the local hospital would ensure the delivery of effective and efficient medical and support services, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.

He emphasized that the new facility would not only provide timely medical interventions but also improve access to healthcare for the local community, reduce the need for travel to distant facilities, and support overall public health efforts in San Miguel town.

Meanwhile, Marilyn G. Chua, a resident of Brgy. Malaguinabot, said she will be at peace since the new hospital is just a few minutes away from her residence.

“Makalilipay kay hirani na kami. Aagi-an nala namon. Usahay kun waray kami iparasahe, madali nala pag-kanhi ha hospital kun mapatambal (It’s really nice because it’s close to us now. We won’t have to worry about transportation costs when we go to the hospital for treatment),” Chua said. (RLA/PIA-8)

Manila-On September 11, the World Health Organization (WHO), European Union (EU), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) donated three solar panels for rural health units frequently affected by power outages in Romblon.

WHO Philippines Technical Officer Engineer Bonifacio Magtibay, Cajidiocan Municipal Health Officer Dr. Patricia Denise Ancheta, Magdiwang Mayor Arthur Tansiongco, San Fernando Vice Mayor Domingo Marin, and Romblon Provincial Health Officer Dr. Winston Palasi attended the handover ceremony.

“A reliable electricity supply is not just a convenience—it is essential for health security,” said USAID Philippines Health Office Director Andrea Halverson in a recorded message of support. “It’s about ensuring that vital services remain uninterrupted, especially in times of crisis.”

The rural health units receiving the solar panels collectively serve up to 480 patients every month. Access to a consistent power supply will ensure the safe storage of vaccines and other life-saving medicines, safer childbirth at night and during disasters, powered and better sterilized medical equipment, availability of hot water, and less risk of damage to medical devices.

“With our support and commitment of the local government units, the operation, expansion, and maintenance of these facilities are now in good hands,” said Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines.

This donation is part of a partnership among USAID, EU, and WHO to strengthen the Philippines’ capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has paid P632.6 million to workers in Eastern Visayas under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program this year.

DOLE regional mediator-arbiter, lawyer Cecilio Baleña, said the emergency employment program has benefited 269,788 displaced workers in the region from January to August 2024.

“We expect more beneficiaries towards the end of the year since the total budget for TUPAD for the region is PHP1.88 billion this year,” Baleña told reporters during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas press briefing on Tuesday,Sept. 17.

The labor department has yet to disburse the remaining P1.25 billion outlay for the program intended for this year.

Each of the beneficiaries received a daily pay of P405, the region’s existing daily minimum wage.

The program provides temporary employment to Filipinos for a minimum period of 10 days to a maximum of 90 days, depending on the nature of the work to be performed.

All disadvantaged workers aged 18 and older are qualified as program beneficiaries.

Senior citizens are also eligible for the program if they are fit to work and would not engage in hazardous work, according to guidelines.

The number of recipients has been increasing every year from 184,035 two years ago, 235,853 last year, and 269,788 in the past eight months.

Launched in 2020, TUPAD is a community-based program designed to offer temporary jobs to those affected by pandemic movement restrictions and other crisis situations.

Target beneficiaries are underemployed, self-employed, and displaced marginalized workers without a source of income due to crisis. (PNA)